Lockdown Glass

Properties & Qualities

Application

Sample making

Qualities

3D, Colourful, Shiny, Translucent, Transparent

Colour

Blue

Sample Information

Date of creation

03/09/2020

Dimensions

12cm x 7cm x 8cm

Weight

2kg

Culture & Context

Glass is made from natural and abundant raw materials, if properly cleaned and sorted glass can be infinitely recycled. Unfortunately, recycling glass is complex, contamination is a problem, and the majority of waste glass becomes aggregate within road surfaces. When processed in the right way waste glass can offer a viable alternative, offering a sustainable model that actively reduces our impact on the environment. Exploring new and sustainable models of working with waste glass is an important and vital practice-based research approach. This material test is made from waste glass and actively explores where glass comes from, how it can be recycled and the transformation it can make into new art forms. It offers a commentary on the impact that craft materials and processes can have on our environment.

Process & Production

Waste glass bottles were collected, cleaned and sorted. The model for this piece was made using 3D modelling, it was then 3D printed. The 3D print is used to measure the volume of the glass that is needed. The model is immersed in cold water and the amount of water it displaces tells me how much glass to use. The 3D printed model is then set on a table and mould investment is covered over the PLA model, the who model is covered in mould material. The PLA model is then burnt out of the mould in the kiln, the cavity left by the burnt out mould is then ready to be refired but this time with glass. A crucible is placed over the mould and glass cullet is added to the top, the mould and glass are then high fired to around 890 degrees, the glass flows into the cavity and fills up the mould. The cast is slowly cooled following an annealing schedule which is pre-programmed into the kiln. Once the kiln has cooled to below 50 degree the door can be opened and the glass filled mould taken out. Once fully cooled for a further 24hrs the glass can be removed from the mould, be carefully breaking off the fired mould. The glass is then cleaned up with water and can then be cold worked, the over cast at the base which is where the glass flows into the mould needs to be cut off on the diamond saw, the base is then ground flat on the flat bed grinding wheel. The surface is then sand blasted all over to remove any flaws.

Recipe Details

Prepare the mould, measure equal parts of plaster and flint with water to create a mould mix which can then be used to cover the model. Carefully apply a thin spray of hairspray to the model, then apply a thin face coat (first coat) of the mould mix to the model, allow to dry. Continue to add layers of mould mix in a slightly thicker consistency to the model, continue into the mould has an equal thickness of around 6-8cm all over. Allow the mould to dry, flatten off the base and put into the drying cupboard overnight. Once the mould has dried it can be put into the kiln for burn out. Once the model has burnt out the mould is ready for casting.